Photos: ‘Kushti’ a way of life at Akhada Alamgir in Ludhiana

For the last 58 years, trainees of kushti (mud wrestling) gather at 4am daily at a wrestling arena popularly known as akhada, at Alamgir village in the outskirts of Ludhiana. (Gurpreet Sigh/HT)

Updated on: Jun 08, 2018 8:43 PM IST

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For the last 58 years, trainees of kushti (mud wrestling) gather at 4am daily at a wrestling arena popularly known as akhada, at Alamgir village in the outskirts of Ludhiana. (Gurpreet Sigh/HT)

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The trainees, as young as 6 years, never miss the scheduled arriving time. (Gurpreet Sigh/HT)

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They soon start the tedious practice session but not before taking the blessing from their mentor Ustad Sikandar Singh, 85. (Gurpreet Sigh/HT)

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The session then continues for the next three hours. (Gurpreet Sigh/HT)

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After the workout, they need something special to rejuvenate. (Gurpreet Sigh/HT)

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And that is why, the akhada prepares its own energy drink Shardai,which is made from milk, almonds, and other dry fruits. (Gurpreet Sigh/HT)

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The akhada then comes to life in the evening at 4pm. (Gurpreet Sigh/HT)